Diabetes Health

Tests May Foretell Children's Diabetes Risk

A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reports that simple body measurements and lab tests may help predict the likelihood of children developing diabetes later in life.

Predicting Diabetes Risk at Age 39

Researchers used data from two long-term studies of children in the U.S. One study collected health information from 822 children who were 12 years old on average. After 22 to 30 years, 5 percent developed diabetes. The researchers found that these childhood factors predicted diabetes at an average age of 39:

Parent had diabetes

Systolic blood pressure (the top number of a blood pressure reading) was higher than 95 percent of peers

Body mass index (BMI) was higher than 95 percent of peers

Blood sugar was at least 100 mg/dL

Triglyceride level was higher than 95 percent of peers

These characteristics were linked with a risk for diabetes three to six times higher than for children who did not have these factors.

Likelihood for Diabetes at Age 19

The second study tested 1,067 girls who were 10 years old on average at the beginning of the study, and followed them for nine years. During this time, eight children developed diabetes. Predictors of diabetes at age 19 were having a parent with diabetes, systolic blood pressure higher than 95 percent of peers, and insulin levels greater than 95 percent of peers. These factors were linked with a risk for diabetes four to 12 times higher than for other children.

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April 2010

Lowering Your Child's Risk for Diabetes

As a parent, you have control over many of your child's risk factors for diabetes--you can take steps to help keep them healthy. Work with your child and your child's doctor to help prevent diabetes. Focus on these three goals:

Encourage a healthy weight.
Although children who are overweight have a higher risk for diabetes, don't put them on a weight-loss diet unless their doctors say so. Kids need to eat enough food to grow and learn properly. Instead, promote healthy eating and physical activity.

Promote healthy eating. Stock up on fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit and veggies. But leave soft drinks and snacks loaded with fat and calories at the store. At home, plan healthy meals and try to eat meals together. And make sure your child doesn't forgo breakfast. It's key to giving your child the energy needed to listen and learn in school.

Foster physical activity. Risk for diabetes is higher in children who don't get enough physical activity. Kids need about 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Tips such as these can add activity to your child's day:

Suggest your child join a sports team or dance class.

Plan family outings that are active, such as going to the zoo or for a family bike ride.

When planning chores for your kids, include some active ones, such as washing the car or vacuuming.

Talk with your child's doctor if you suspect that your child is at risk for diabetes down the road.